The New Orleans Pelicans may need to make a trade before the deadline, but who is the most likely to go?
The New Orleans Pelicans overhauled their team this offseason, adding five new players to the roster.
But even after all of the moves, the Pelicans still have some needs, so it might require another trade before the deadline to balance the roster.
The Pels could definitely use a wing, particularly someone with size who can defend and shoot a little. They did bring in some competition for Nicolo Melli at backup power forward but the depth is still suspect behind Zion Williamson as well.
The Pelicans did address the center and hopefully backup point guard openings with the additions of Steven Adams and Kira Lewis Jr. but I’m sure Stan Van Gundy would like a few more weapons to work with.
The Pelicans have ample draft assets to trade from, as well as a few players who might net a return, especially if they were part of a package. Here are the five players the Pels are most likely to trade, working from most to least likely.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels could pursue a trade for Nicolo Melli
Most Likely: Nicolo Melli
I’ve written about some potential trade spots for Melli that might bring back a wing, and if the Pels could make such a deal, they should jump at it.
With the current roster construction, a “stretch” four who can’t defend seems like a bit of a luxury, especially when he’s backing up a guy with Zion’s injury history.
When Melli is hitting his shots he is an important part of the offense, but when he isn’t? He doesn’t bring much to the table. The Pels ended up relying far too heavily on contributions from Melli and he stopped making them sometime around February of last year when he couldn’t make a shot.
The addition of Wenyen Gabriel may make Melli expendable, especially if they can get back a wing in return. A package of Melli (expiring contract) and a pick might bring back a return from a team looking to shed future salary or add some shooting.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels could trade Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Less Likely but possible: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
NAW is a nice prospect who has flashed some impressive skills at times.
The problem is that I’m not sure how he fits into this rotation. The Pels already have plenty at shooting guard with Eric Bledsoe, Josh Hart and JJ Redick and NAW has not yet proven he can handle runniing the point.
If the Pels logjam at shooting guard were to clear with a trade or injury, then NAW could get the minutes he needs to develop, but if not, he might find himself racking up the DNP’s.
If the Pels could find another team with a young roster (OKC anyone?) who wanted to take a risk on NAW’s potential and would have more minutes to give him, then they might be able to get a decent return, especially if they attach one of their million draft picks.
NAW is talented but ultimately may not have a place on this team unless he gets a lot better on defense and improves his shot selection.
If NAW becomes a meaningful part of the rotation this season it is a big win for the New Orleans Pelicans, but if he doesn’t, he might be traded.
New Orleans Pelicans: Could the Pels trade Jaxson Hayes?
Only as part of a package: Jaxson Hayes
Jaxson Hayes showed enough last year to get a solid chance to compete for rotation minutes but not enough to make him untouchable.
His athleticism is jaw-dropping, and if he can ever become a Hassan Whiteside-esque rim protector, he will have a long career in this league.
Any young team with a hole at center would be happy to have Jaxson Hayes as a project, as he is very young, raw and has shown athletic abillity that few centers possess.
Because of his very team-friendly contract, it would be difficult to get equal value in a trade, so if Hayes goes, it will likely be part of a bigger package to get a star or an estblished veteran.
If the Pels could turn a package of Hayes and a pick into a big wing or an adult power forward who can defend, then they would have to consider it.
He’s another guy who could find himself on the bench, especially early in the season when Stan Van Gundy might lean on veteran backup Willy Hernangomez more in the second unit.
Hayes may ultimately be one of the best trade chips the Pelicans have, and if they can package hiim for a player who better fits this roster, they will have to consider it.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading JJ redick could clear cap space
Veteran to a contender: JJ Redick
Once we get closer to midseason and the contenders are rising to the top, all of them will be trying to add shooting.
If the Pels are out of the playoff picture at that point, which they may be, they will have to consider moving Redick, as painful as it might be.
Of the players the Pels might trade, Redick could get the biggest return even though he is pushing 40-years-old. The dude is still a lights-out shooter and some team chasing a title would love to have him for the stretch run and playoffs.
The question is what would be a good return for Redick and would it be worth it? Could the Pels net a protected first round pick? A young wing prospect?
It will be interesting to see what happens with Redick, as he is cleary a favorite of Stan Van Gundy and likes playing in New Orleans, but if the Pels are out of contention there is no sense having a 36-year-old who is making $13 million and will be a free agent.
New Orleans Pelicans: could the Pelicans trade Lonzo Ball?
The elephant contract in the room: Lonzo Ball
Going into last season, Lonzo Ball was 100 percent considered part of the core of the New Orleans Pelicans, but now? I’m not so sure.
I am sure the Pels would love him to have a breakout season, sign a reasonable extension and stay, but if he doesn’t? Will Lonzo Ball be headed for greener pastures?
If we know anything about the Balls, it’s that they want the spotlight. They’ve also talked a lot about playing together at some point, so Lonzo may decide to just leave in free agency. The Pels would be able to match any offer he gets but Lonzo is already rich from his off-the-court endeavors and may take fewer years to play in a city like New York or join his brother in Charlotte.
The Pelicans can’t count this scenario out, which is why they could look to trade Lonzo by the deadline. This became a possibility when the Pels traded Jrue Holiday for a point guard and then added another one via the draft.
The best case scenario is that Lonzo makes a leap this year, gels with Zion and Ingram, and takes his place as the third piece of the core, but I could also see him playing just well enough to be traded to a team looking for a flashy name to build around.
The New Orleans Pelicans may have to make a move if they want to get to the playoffs, as the current roster is not quite there.